Wharf District Parks

Your Guide

Long separated by an elevated freeway, the Wharf District Parks reconnected Boston to the harbor while profoundly transforming the area’s quality of life in an open space renaissance for the downtown.

The Wharf District Parks include a number of the most distinctive features of the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway, including the commemorative Mother’s Walk; the iconic "Great Room;" the Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion; and a new Greenway Carousel (opened Labor Day 2013).

Ecological benefits from the new parks include a 37 percent reduction in
stormwater runoff by replacing the 100 percent impervious Central
Artery freeway with 4 acres of park space – of which 40 percent is
pervious area.

Five Historic Wharfs Inspire

The Wharf District Parks were named for the five wharfs – City, Long, Central, India, and Rowes – that once extended through the area. The city’s maritime history is the common theme that unites the park spaces.

Image: John Horner via Copley Wolff Design Group

Contrasting Styles

A formal “great boulevard” lined with London Plane trees extends along the city-side of the parks. The boulevard recalls the language of traditional European parks. In contrast, gently meandering, less-formal paths planted with New England natives extend along the harbor side of the Wharf District Parks.

Image: JP Shadley, Shadley Associates

The Great Room

The heart of the Wharf District Parks is the "Great Room." This open space provides an urban oasis for the variety of residents, business people, and tourists that flock to the parks. The room hosts concerts, festivals, and even daily yoga classes.

Image: Andrew Arbaugh, Shadley Associates

Light Blades

The "Great Room" is lined with a series of "Light Blades" designed by landscape architect Dennis Carmichael to recall the sails of the tall ships that once filled the harbor. At night, the blades become washed with colored light. During the Winter Lights Festival, visitors to the park are able to change the color of the blades by texting a phone number and typing the color they would like to see displayed. The blades then change color within a second.

Image: Architectural Paving & Stone, Inc.

Rings Fountain

The vibrant and playful "Rings Fountain" is extremely popular with children of all ages. This interactive element features 64 wonderfully choreographed jets that shoot water up to 40 feet into the air.

Image: Norman B. Leventhal Walk to the Sea

Framed by Architecture

The park corridor is framed by a rich assortment of architecture, which has also flourished in response to the new green space.

Image: Benjamin Cheung Photography

Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion

The Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion provides visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the nearby islands and purchase ferry tickets to the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. The pavilion was designed by Utile Inc., Architecture and Planning with landscape design by Reed Hilderbrand Landscape Architecture.

Image: Chuck Choi Photography

Mother's Walk

The Parks provide a continuous green path running north and south, connected on the east side of the parks by the "Mother’s Walk," a gently curving path where thousands of sons and daughters have dedicated inscribed pavers with the names of special people who have loved and inspired them.

Image: Don Kindsvatter

Rowe's Wharf

The arching Rowe’s Wharf, an iconic setting, enables direct connection to the harbor, while offering a pleasant place to sit, relax, watch people and enjoy lunch. The Wharf District is one of several spots on the greenway served by Boston’s many gourmet food trucks.

Image: JP Shadley, Shadley Associates

Open Space

This grassy open space is an ideal spot to picnic and enjoy expansive views of the Boston skyline. In the distance, low grass mounds in sculptural, riparian forms are planted with birch trees that provide a shady passage to the next parcel.